I'm not sure if there are any direct replacemnets for the original frame. I doubt that you'll find a frame that'll swap without needing any modifications either to truck or frame. Is the original rusty or damaged, or is the swap just to get better suspension? You may want to explore some of the places doing work on '48-50 F1's as the frames are similar in size to a '42-'47. Thay may have some ideas of what will work. I've seen Dakota frames used, by they need to be modified. Maybe somebody else may have other ideas of what trucks out there have a 114" wheelbase, like the '42-'47's.
Gary
==============================
46 truck-6cyl now, 302/C4 soon
46 truck-flathead 8, 4spd
47 truck-getting a 429/C6
57 Ford FL 500-4 dr-312/AT
70 Mustang fastback-351W/FMX
72 Olds Vista Cruiser-350/AT
88 Bronco II, 500,000+ mi.
__________________
Gary-
Down to only one, a 1946 1/2 ton
Collector of anything related to 42-47 Ford Trucks
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 28-Feb-02 AT 05:13*PM (EST)]i am looking for a frame with a newer suspension to fit the cab and box with as little as possible modification.
I would strongly suggest keeping your frame and putting an aftermarket front and rearend suspension upgrade on it. There are several streetrod companies out there that make a Mustang II front cross members so you can change to independent front. The same goes with the rear end. Several companies make the side leaf sping kit. If you try and go with a different frame, in my opinion, you will have all kinds of headaches, and it will take a lot of fabrication. If your present frame is totally shot, try and find another one. I am building a 40 Ford 1/2 ton, and used the aftermarket suspension kits. It may initially cost a little more, but it will be better in the long run. The front and rear kits are fairly easy to install.
That's just my 2 cents worth.
Adding a new rear end to the truck will be extra simple since you already have parallel springs in the back. Just get a new rear, put the spring pads in the right place and your done. For the front end, check out places like Fatman Fabrications, Heidts, and places like that for front end ideas. The frames on these trucks are good frames, it'll save you the headaches of doing a swap.
Gary
==============================
46 truck-6cyl now, 302/C4 soon
46 truck-flathead 8, 4spd
47 truck-getting a 429/C6
57 Ford FL 500-4 dr-312/AT
70 Mustang fastback-351W/FMX
72 Olds Vista Cruiser-350/AT
88 Bronco II, 500,000+ mi.
__________________
Gary-
Down to only one, a 1946 1/2 ton
Collector of anything related to 42-47 Ford Trucks
I agree that if your frame is in decent shape, use it. It's alot easier to fabricate what you want for the chassis than to try and make the body fit.
We used a Ford 9" rear from a 68 small Bronco and it fits perfect. Don't know if the mounts had to be moved since it had 2 sets welded on when we got the rear. We used Chassis Engineering for all the front end stuff and for the rear springs. We went with them cause a guy we met with the same year truck used them and was pleased with the results - we are too.
Don't know what the '45 is like, but our '41 only had the one spring in front & back. I have some pic's of our frame/chassis setup in my gallery. Let me know if you want a phone # for Chassis Engineering and I'll dig it out.
Chassis Engineering's phone # is 1-319-643-2645 out of West Branch, Iowa.
Their website is www.chassisengineering.com.
I used them for my 40 Ford coupe. Good product, good company.
I used their setup for the rear of my 40 pickup and Heidt's for the Mustang II.
Wasn't quite sure what year the pickup switched from the buggy suspension to parallel leafs. I would still go with the new suspension in the rear. Your truck is 55 or so years old, and I'm sure the springs, hangers, ect are tired.
I'm running a BB Ford 460/420hp, beefed up C-6 auto, ford 9" rear with 350 detroit locker. I'm going to have tractions problems, but it will be fun.
I have looked at S-10 and ranger conversions and ridden in them.. Overall the original frame with a mustang II front conversion and new rear springs out performed them all. I used a 96 Mustang 8.8" rearend with disc brakes so now I can out stop them too. The other benifit from using the orogianl frame is everything already fits and nothing has to be adapted!
Join Our Site - Its free, quick and easy!
45 1/2 ton need a newer frame
I have looked at S-10 and ranger conversions and ridden in them.. Overall the original frame with a mustang II front conversion and new rear springs out performed them all. I used a 96 Mustang 8.8" rearend with disc brakes so now I can out stop them too. The other benifit from using the orogianl frame is everything already fits and nothing has to be adapted!
